Why did Horatio Nelson plan to attack the Franco-Spanish fleet in two divisions at Trafalgar?

Horatio Nelson planned to attack the Franco-Spanish fleet in two divisions at the Battle of Trafalgar to abandon the traditionally rigid, indecisive tactics of fighting in a single line of battle.12

By advancing in two columns, Nelson aimed to break through the enemy's line and force a "pell-mell battle." This strategy was designed to disrupt the enemy's tactical cohesion, allowing the British to destroy the opposing ships piecemeal by bringing superior force to bear on individual vessels. Nelson was confident that his captains understood his tactical vision well enough to execute this aggressive maneuver effectively, relying on the superior British gunnery and offensive spirit to ensure a decisive victory.12